No one could doubt Premier François Legault’s sincerity Wednesday when, in announcing he will step down, he expressed his undying affection for Quebecers.

There with you then. Here with you now. As a critical part of the community for over 245 years,The Gazette continues to deliver trusted English-language news and coverage on issues that matter. Subscribe now to receive:

There with you then. Here with you now. As a critical part of the community for over 245 years,The Gazette continues to deliver trusted English-language news and coverage on issues that matter. Subscribe now to receive:

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“I profoundly love Quebecers and Quebec,” Legault said in the marble-clad foyer of the Honoré-Mercier Building that houses his office in Quebec City. “Being premier of Quebec was the honour of my life.”

But whether you felt included in his parting embrace depends on what kind of Quebecer you are.

Legault’s nationalist pride defined him. Unfortunately his brand of nationalism was often narrow and exclusionary.

Legault’s efforts to protect the French language, culture and identity too often divided Quebecers, rather than united people. As a populist, he drove wedges that created an us and a them. English speakers, people of diverse backgrounds, immigrants and even Montrealers were often made to feel they didn’t belong to the Québécois nation Legault so ardently defended.

Legault’s Coalition Avenir Québec never made significant inroads in Montreal, so maybe he felt he........

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